From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Corona California Human Relations Commission letter Date: Sat, 13 Jun 1998 22:40:46 -0400 (EDT) June 12, 1998 Daily Independent 823 S. Main St. Corona, CA 91720 Dear Editors: We were disturbed by the June 9 report in your paper concerning both remarks by Kern County Human Relations Commissioner, Pastor Douglas Hearn, and the reactions to those remarks. Certainly Rev. Hearn's remarks were not inconsistent with views expressed in many religious institutions, and we should respect his right to religious exercise and free speech. It is possible, however, to both defend his constitutional rights and be offended by what he said. Making such remarks as the Human Relations Commissioner in a meeting of that commission is not appropriate and displays a sensitivity level that would seem to be inadequate to the job. We were even more distressed by the quotes attributed to Barry Jacobs, who made the assertion that Hearn still supported the civil rights of sexual minorities. One cannot be said to be supporting a person's civil rights while at the same time claiming that they are automatically disqualified from holding certain positions in society. Full citizenship includes more than what Hearn described as the right to "live, shop, and be human beings." It also includes the constitutionally-protected right to run for public office. Jacobs also stated that Hearn's views are based on the Bible, and, "who are we to refute the Bible?" Given the wide variety of (and frequently conflicting) interpretations of the Bible, refutation of an individual's interpretation of the Bible is just that, and not refutation of the Bible itself. And since this is the United States, and not a theocracy, the only things the commissioners should be worried about refuting are the laws they were appointed to uphold. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 15 congregations and organizations and 58 clergy from 15 religious traditions. If you are in the general Philadelphia area and represent a congregation or religious organization or are clergy, let us know if you want to be added - all faiths are welcome. We will also be happy to help start similar organizations in other areas. -- Interfaith Working Group Religious organizations, congregations iwg@libertynet.org and clergy supporting gay rights, http://www.libertynet.org/iwg/ reproductive freedom, and the 215-235-3050 separation of church and state.